Changing a standard incandescent light bulb is of course the simplest of tasks, and changing a newer compact fluorescent bulb is just as easy. However, you may find yourself pausing when it comes time to replace a long, tube-style fluorescent lamp. It is not immediately obvious how the bulb is removed from the housing, and it can be difficult to handle the entire tube while standing on a stepladder. To learn how to replace fluorescent lighting with minimal trouble, consult the guide below.

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Steps

Method 1 of 2

1

Make sure that the power is switched off. Before replacing a fluorescent lamp, you should make sure the fixture is not powered on. Do 'not simply use the wall switch to remove power to the fixture. You can use the electrical panel to shut off power to the lamp's circuit, and properly lock & tag it. Use a voltage tester to verify that there is no power in the fixture

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2

Prepare a stepladder or other support. Most likely, you will not be able to reach the fluorescent light fixture comfortably from ground level. Position a stepladder or chair underneath the fixture to allow you to replace the lamps comfortably and safely.

3

Rotate the first tube 90 degrees. Reach up and gently support the first fluorescent tube with both hands keeping your hands as close to the ends of the bulb as possible. You will be able to rotate the tube in either direction a quarter-turn until it stops. This action rotates the prongs that project from each end of the bulb to a vertical alignment and so allows you to slide the tube downward and out of the fixture. Gently lower the fluorescent tube straight down through this slot. Place the tube gently onto the floor where it cannot roll or be disturbed for later disposal.

4

Lift the new fluorescent tube into place. To install the new lamp, line its prongs up with the slots in either socket. Push the tube straight up into the sockets, and then rotate it 90 degrees until you feel it lock into place. You can give the lamp a gentle tug to ensure that it is firmly in place.

5

Repeat this process with the other lamp. Most often, fluorescent light fixtures are designed with 2 tubes side-by-side. The process for replacing each tube is the same.

6

Test the new fluorescent lamps. Flip your wall switch on and see if the new fluorescent bulbs light up properly, noting that fluorescent lamps take a minute or so to reach full brightness. If the new bulbs do not work properly, you may have a defective component in your light fixture that needs to be replaced.

Method 2 of 2: Office lighting procedure - recessed lighting

Office lighting is usually behind a bezel lens with a frame. These types of recessed fixtures are holding the light tubes in place to minimize accidents and breakage but can be very frustrating due to the lack of wiggle room or freedom of movement. The frame is held in place by lever locks or snaps.

1

Using a screwdriver, pry down the levers while supporting the frame in the middle. It is important to support the frame because it can ruin the locks or swing down and hit you in the head.

2

Clean. Take the opportunity while the lens is down to remove insects, dust or even condensation and mold from the lens surface.

3

Twist or un-snap one end of the fluorescent tube, then the other.

4

Search for holes or a recessed area that the cathode/anode pins can sink in to that permit freedom of movement.

5

Grip the tube and wiggle the first tube out. The second tube will come out much more easily. Recessed units often come with 4 tubes with a ballast case in the middle.

6

Replace the last tube first. Then replace the first tube last. In other words, reverse the sequence of removing the tubes.

7

When the last tube is in place swing the lens frame back into place and use both hands to support the frame in place and your thumbs to swing the frame lock back in place.

Snap locks may need to be slammed or pressed firmly because the snap is made of a 'U' of spring steel.

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Tips

Unlike incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs rarely burn out completely. Instead, they dim or begin flickering over time, indicating that they need to be replaced.

An annoying humming sound produced by your fluorescent light fixture usually indicates that the ballast, rather than the bulbs, needs to be replaced.

Warnings

Broken light bulbs pose a risk of eye and skin injury. Wearing safety glasses when replacing a bulb will help reduce the risk of eye injury in case of a breakage.

Fluorescent bulbs of all types contain a small amount of mercury, which means they pose a health risk if broken. If you break a fluorescent bulb, open a window for ventilation and sweep the broken pieces into a container you can reseal for disposal.

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